D Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Friday announced details for the start of the 2025 tax filing season, which will begin in earnest later this month.
Tax filing season Monday, January 27 opens for taxpayers to file their tax returns for the tax year 2024. The IRS said it expects more than 140 million individual tax returns by the federal deadline for filing returns for tax year 2024, which will be Tuesday, April 15.
The agency added that with nearly half of all returns expected to be filed with the help of a tax professional, taxpayers should use a trusted tax pro to avoid potential scams and schemes.
This tax filing season will also see new tools available to taxpayers as part of the IRS' modernization efforts. Improvements include more access to tax account information from text and voice virtual assistants, expanded features to IRS personal online accounts, more access to dozens of tax forms for cell phone and tablet users, and expanded alerts for scams and schemes targeting taxpayers.
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The IRS also expanded the Direct File program from last year, which will be available to taxpayers in 25 states when tax season officially begins later this month, after 12 states used the program as part of a pilot program last year.
Like direct files Commercial tax software and allows taxpayers to choose a data import tool to automatically import information from their IRS account – such as personal information, the taxpayer's IP PIN and some information from their W-2 forms. A new chatbot will also be available to help direct file users navigate the eligibility checker.
“This has been a historic period of growth for the IRS, and people will see additional tools and features to help them file their taxes this tax season,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Warfel. “These taxpayer-focused improvements we've made so far are important, but only the beginning of what the IRS needs to do. More can be done with continued investment in the nation's tax system.”
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Most mentioned in the IRS announcement Tax refund Issued in less than 21 calendar days and taxpayers wondering “Where's my refund?” Tool on IRS.gov to check the status of their 2024 income tax return within 24 hours of e-filing.
For taxpayers who file paper returns, refund information is usually available four weeks after filing. “Where's my refund?” The tool updates overnight, so there's no need to check it more than once a day.
“The easiest, safest and fastest way to get a refund is to file electronically and choose direct deposit. According to the Treasury Bureau of the Fiscal Service, paper refund checks are 16 times more likely to have problems, such as checks being lost, misdirected, stolen or uncashed,” The IRS wrote.
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It added that taxpayers should check the FDIC and National Credit Union Administration websites if they haven't already. bank accountWhile veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program to find participating financial institutions.